dreammaker wrote:
Hi Richellelove, Great question! I have been at this over 8 years now and when others ask me about triathlons, the responses (or "barriers") they give me are:
- I could never do that!
- I'm too slow.
- I would be last.
- I don't know how to swim.
- I prefer group classes.
- I hate running.
- I don't have time.
Generalizing the feedback I get, the barriers seem to fall into 2 categories: 1) time, and 2) fear of not being "good enough".
Personally, my barrier was fear. I was extremely intimidated about the sport when I started. I didn't know what to wear (3 sports? in one day!?!); I didn't know how to train; I didn't know if I could even finish a sprint. Fortunately, I was ready for a personal challenge and decided back then that I would rather try it out and laugh at myself than sit back and be afraid.
As a newbie, I found everything about the sport confusing. I asked a veteran triathlete what kind of bike to get...her answer? "One that fits." Huh? What the heck? I have seen that answer many times on this forum, but it was meaningless to me at the time. I know what it means now, and it is 100% true...but it was one of the more "unhelpful" answers to my bike questions.
I laugh now as I remember my confusion. After 6 Ironman races (now training for #7), I find myself now to be a veteran of the sport. But I am still laughing at myself, because I am still learning.
Someone who used to post a long time ago had a tagline: If you're going to be dumb, you better be tough. I have muttered that to myself many times over the years...and have some pretty good stories because of it.
DreamMaker
There is a lot of truth in there. I really had a hard time figuring out what to wear. Everything that I saw was aimed at women with small breasts, and I could not figure out how wear something that I could swim and run in (solution--a good, opaque black sports bra and tri shorts).
I also think that people way overthink the bike for the first race. We need to tell people: Your first race is just to see if you like it. You can borrow a bike. You can rent a bike. You can buy a cheap comfort bike because you feel happy riding it, and that will make you ride it more. Then, after you decide you are hooked, get a road bike. It is more versatile than a tri bike and less intimidating.
Fear of coming in last was real, too. That and tripping right before the finish line and falling in front of everyone. I haven't been last yet, but I have been last out of the water. I raised my arms and yelled, "last swimmer!" and everyone cheered. And, hey, no problem finding my bike in T1. For the people who do finish last in a race, it isn't like spectators throw rotten fruit or boo. They get cheered and have their names called like everyone else. I have also decided that if I fall at the finish line, I will just take a bow. Some things are what you make of them.
There are ways to ease into the sport, too. My first race was a duathlon (couldn't figure out the clothes thing and transitions seemed much simpler). I came in second and when I heard my name called as I crossed the finish line, I was hooked. Some races have pool swims, which can be good for people who are afraid of open water.
There are options out there, and I think that people, especially women who tend to not get as much time to themselves, need to understand that there is a lot more to triathlons besides doing IM on a superbike and making a complete lifestyle out it. It can be just a fun, healthy hobby.